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Canada to Open New Federal Skilled Worker Program in May 2013

Mar 1, 2013

According to an announcement made by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), foreigners including Filipinos who wish to work in Canada can submit their applications for the redesigned Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) starting May 4, 2013. The said program had to be stopped last May 2012 after it reached the yearly quota of 20,000 applications for the period from July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012).

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) selects the applicants based on the factors that would determine their ability to succeed in Canada. It has a point system wherein the highest possible point is 100. To get a passing score, one needs a minimum of 67 points.

Other factors that are measured are the applicant’s age, educational background, work experiences, arranged employment, language ability and adaptability.

The FSWP is open for skilled professionals such as nurses, doctors, dentists, pharmacists, licensed practical nurses, social workers, etc. Those who are employed in trade jobs such as the welders, carpenters and plumbers can apply through Canada’s Federal Skilled Trades Program. This program doesn’t have a points based system, does not impose an age limit and education that should be equivalent to Canada’s education standards.

What are the changes in the new FSWP?

Higher points for language proficiency (maximum of 28 points)

Results of international researches and studies proved that the ability to communicate in the official language of a particular country greatly increases one’s chance to be gainfully employed and receiv higher salary. This is the reason why applicants who can demonstrate language proficiency in English or French are given outmost importance. Once can gain a maximum of 28 points in this area- the highest among other areas.

Younger applicants gain an advantage (maximum of 12 points)

Canada wants immigrants who can devote a longer time serving their workforce and contributing to their economy. So they prefer applicants below the age of 35 and give them a maximum of 12 points. Applicants whose ages are from 36 to 46 get diminishing points. Workers older than 47 are still eligible for the program but they get no point in this category.

In the past, the points for education is measured based on the applicant’s educational credentials in their home country. The new policy now takes into account the value of one’s educational attainment as compared to Canada’s educational credentials.

Longer work experience is an advantage (maximum of 15 points)

Applicants should have a minimum of one (1) year of work experience to be eligible for this program. Those whose work experience are six years or more gets a maximum of 15 points.

Job offer in Canada (maximum of 10 points)

Applicants who have a job waiting for a valid employer based in Canada is given more points as opposed to those who intend to start job–hunting only after arriving in Canada.

Bonus points for adaptability

Adaptability is measured by checking if the applicants have previous work experience or educational attainment in Canada. Those with relatives in Canada or with spouses that demonstrate ability in the official language also gets points in adaptability.